Overview

El Tigre is one of the many dormant volcanoes in Honduras, albeit, probably the most impressive and well known one. Located on the southern coast of Honduras, this volcano is an island called Isla del Tigre, in the lesser known Golfo de Fonseca. The Golfo de Fonseca is Honduras' important shrimp farming bay that drains into the Pacific Ocean. Technically, El Tigre is a part of the infamous "Pacific Ring of Fire." It's ironic though because Honduras is the only country in Central America without an active volcano.

Beautiful scenery

At the base of the peak is the town of Amapala. There is a tourist office there, but this part of Honduras does not see near as much tourist traffic as the Caribbean Coast. Southern Honduras is much more impoverished than the north so it's a less ideal vacationing spot. From my personal experience though it's as much, if not more beautiful. The climate because of its location to the equator and coast, is extremely hot and humid. The land that you cross to reach the island from the capital city of Tegucigalpa is made up of rainforest with elevation increasing the farther inland you go. Honduras is in general a very mountainous country with the highest peak being Cerro de las Minas in the northwestern region of the country.

Getting There

The easiest way to get there from the capital city of Tegucigalpa is via the southern seat of Choluteca. From Choluteca head towards San Lorenzo and then to Coyolito. Coyolito has a ferry that crosses to Amapala, although the schedule is reported to be fairly inconsistent. The beaches around the base of the volcano are nice and in most cases you will have them to yourself. There are also some hotels in Amapala.

Red Tape

There is no red-tape and there is a very clearly marked trail to the top from Amapala. Just follow this and you will not step on any toes.

Camping

There are no camping regulations that I can find for El Tigre. I would not recommend camping on the mountain though because the hike can easily be done in half a day. Add External Links text here.

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--Dr. Robert Sayre